"3D PRINTING RIGHTS MAN A GEMENT

AND CERTIFICATION SYSTEM"

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a rights management and certification system.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a rights management and certification system for 3D printers.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The rise and proliferation of 3D printers has had a marked disruptive effect on the manufacturing industry globally and is progressively leading to the decentralisation of manufacturing.

[0004] 3D printers enable businesses and consumers to fabricate a wide range of objects rapidly and cost effectively. 3D printers are now capable of producing increasingly complex objects, including in respect to geometrical complexity and materials used. It is expected that consumers will soon be able to create spare parts for complex machines, and even functional consumer products, in their own home.

[0005] Advancements in 3D scanning technologies have also complemented the utility of 3D printers. 3D scanners can be used to generate rich datasets accurately embodying the shape, dimensions and, in some cases, even material properties of an object or complex source product. These data can then be used by a 3D printer to fabricate a duplicate, or near duplicate, of the source object.

[0006] The convergence of 3D printing, modelling, imagery and scanning technologies, therefore, poses a threat to owners of intellectual property rights in commercial products. This includes, for example, patented products and products in which copyright and design rights subsist. Consumers, in particular, are able to use 3D printers to create duplicates of such products, without authorisation of the relevant rights holders.

[0007] Historically, intellectual property rights holders have endeavoured to assert their rights against infringers by targeting the source of infringing articles that have appeared on the market; for example, by commencing legal action against the principal manufacturers and/or importers of such articles. The decentralisation of manufacturing caused by 3D printing is, however, making the task of enforcing such rights increasingly hard.

[0008] The ability to 'print' spare parts for complex machinery also poses a threat to original equipment manufacturers (so-called OEMs) and presents a corresponding risk to consumers. OEMs typically license only particular accredited persons and businesses the right to manufacturer and/or sell certified spare parts for equipment that they produce. By purchasing certified parts, consumers are guaranteed a certain level of quality and workmanship.

[0009] 3D printing has made it much easier for unaccredited persons to create and sell spare parts without a licence from the relevant OEMs. Consumers can also attempt to print their own spare parts for machinery that they own. For industrial and mechanical equipment, such as automobiles, using uncertified spare parts of substandard quality can have catastrophic and, in some cases, fatal consequences.

[0010] Further, it is known that 3D printers can also be used to create articles which only certain official persons or designated bodies are legally permitted to produce and/or sell, by statutory and other laws. For example, it is known that it is now possible to create a device using a 3D printer that operates as a working hand gun. 3D printers, therefore, also pose problems for law enforcement authorities and official bodies responsible for controlling the production, distribution, sale and use of such articles.

[001 1 ] The present invention attempts to provide a solution, at least in part, to the aforementioned issues. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus for printing a three-dimensional object, the printing apparatus comprising a rights management system, the rights management system comprising: a database stored on a storage device, the database being accessible by the printing apparatus and comprising one or more object records, wherein the, or each, object record contains data relating to one or more physical characteristics of a known three-dimensional object;

a scanning means adapted to:

scan a source three-dimensional object to be printed by the printing apparatus; and

generate an input dataset defining one or more physical characteristics of the source three-dimensional object; and

a control apparatus comprising control logic adapted to perform a matching algorithm, wherein the matching algorithm compares the input dataset with the data in the, or each, object record and computes a similarity score for the, or each, object record,

wherein the, or each, similarity score indicates a degree to which the source three- dimensional object resembles the known three-dimensional object corresponding to the relevant object record.

[0013] According to one further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus for printing a three-dimensional object, the printing apparatus comprising a rights management system, the rights management system comprising: a database stored on a storage device, the database being accessible by the printing apparatus and comprising one or more object records, wherein the, or each, object record contains data relating to one or more physical characteristics of a known three-dimensional object;

an input dataset defining one or more physical characteristics of a source three- dimensional object; and

a control apparatus comprising control logic adapted to perform a matching algorithm, wherein the matching algorithm compares the input dataset with the „

4 data in the, or each, object record and computes a similarity score for the, or each, object record,

wherein the, or each, similarity score indicates a degree to which the source three- dimensional object resembles the known three-dimensional object corresponding to the relevant object record.

[0014] The data in the, or each, object record may include geometrical modelling data, including vertex, edge, face and/or point cloud information, relating to the respective known three-dimensional object.

[0015] The data in the, or each, object record may include image data, including two and three-dimensional photographic image data, relating to the respective known three- dimensional object.

[0016] The data in the, or each, object record may include surface texture information relating to the respective known three-dimensional object.

[0017] The data in the, or each, object record may include translucency information relating to the respective known three-dimensional object.

[0018] The data in the, or each, object record may include information relating to the chemical composition of the respective known three-dimensional object or part(s) thereof.

[0019] The data in the, or each, object record may include information relating to the build thermal profile tolerances of the respective known three-dimensional object or part(s) thereof.

[0020] The data in the, or each, object record may be recorded in stereolithography (STL) format.

[0021] The data in the, or each, object record may be recorded in Additive Manufacturing File Format (AFF).

[0022] The data in the, or each, object record may embody a digital fingerprint representation of the known three-dimensional object corresponding to the object record. [0023] The control logic may convert the input dataset into an intermediary dataset prior to performing the matching algorithm, wherein the mtennediary dataset comprises a digital fingerprint representation of the source three-dimensional object.

[0024] The data contained in the, or each, object record may be encrypted.

[0025] The input dataset may include geometrical modelling data, including vertex, edge, face and/or point cloud information, relating to the source three-dimensional object.

[0026] The input dataset may include image data, including two and three- dimensional photographic image data, relating to the source three-dimensional object.

[0027] The input dataset may include data relating to the chemical composition of the source three-dimensional object or part(s) thereof.

[0028] The input dataset may include data generated using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) machine.

[0029] The input dataset may be recorded in a computer aided design (CAD) file.

[0030] According to one further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rights management system for a printing apparatus adapted to print three-dimensional objects, the rights management system comprising:

a first database stored on a storage device, the first database being accessible by the printing apparatus and comprising one or more object records, wherein the, or each, object record contains data relating to one or more physical characteristics of a known three-dimensional object;

a scanning means adapted to:

scan a source three-dimensional object to be printed by the printing apparatus; and

generate an input dataset defining one or more physical characteristics of the source three-dimensional object; and

a control apparatus comprising control logic adapted to perform a matching algorithm, wherein the matching algorithm compares the input dataset with the ,

0 data in the, or each, object record and computes a similarity score for the, or each, object record,

wherein the, or each, similarity score indicates a degree to which the source three- dimensional object resembles the known three-dimensional object corresponding to the relevant object record.

[0031] According to one further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rights management system for a printing apparatus adapted to print three-dimensional objects, the rights management system comprising:

a first database stored on a storage device, the first database being accessible by the printing apparatus and comprising one or more object records, wherein the, or each, object record contains data relating to one or more physical characteristics of a known three-dimensional object;

an input dataset defining one or more physical characteristics of a source three- dimensional object; and

a control apparatus comprising control logic adapted to perform a matching algorithm, wherein the matching algorithm compares the input dataset with the data in the, or each, object record and computes a similarity score for the, or each, object record,

wherein the, or each, similarity score indicates a degree to which the source three- dimensional object resembles the known three-dimensional object corresponding to the relevant object record.

[0032] The rights management system may further comprise a second database stored on a storage device, the second database being accessible by the printing apparatus and comprising one or more rights-holder records, wherein the, or each, rights-holder record contains information relating to a person owning rights in, or to, one or more known three-dimensional objects recorded in the first database.

[0033] The person may be a living person or a legal person, including a company or incorporated organisation. [0034] The control logic may compile a set of candidate records, wherein each candidate record comprises an object record having a computed similarity score meeting or exceeding a trigger value,

[0035] For each candidate record, the control logic may notify a third-party person whose information is stored in a rights-holder record corresponding to the candidate record that a user of the printing apparatus has fabricated, or intends to fabricate, a three- dimensional object, using the printing apparatus, resembling a known three-dimensional object corresponding to the candidate record.

[0036] The control logic may notify a user of the printing apparatus that a three dimensional object that they have fabricated, or intend to fabricate, using the printing apparatus resembles a known three dimensional object corresponding to a candidate record.

[0037] For each three-dimensional object that is printed using the printing apparatus, the rights management system may generate a rights authority number and a set of operation data, wherein the rights authority number is unique and corresponds to the operation data.

[0038] The rights authority number may be printed onto the printed three-dimensional object.

[0039] The operation data may include:

data identifying legal rights that permit the user to print the printed three- dimensional object lawfully;

materials used to print the printed three-dimensional object, including relevant batch numbers;

data identifying software and firmware, including versions thereof, used by the control logic and/or printing apparatus;

the input dataset used by the rights management system during execution of the matching algorithm, including geometrical modelling and/or image data comprised in the input dataset; „ the, or each, object record interrogated and used by the rights management system during execution of the matching algorithm, including geometrical modelling and/or image data comprised in the object records;

the set of similarity scores computed during execution of the matching algorithm; print conditions derived from sensors on the printing apparatus; and/or

any other data relevant to the fabrication of the printed three-dimensional object.

[0040] The rights authority number and operation data may initially be stored, together, on a data storage means incorporated into, or attached to, the printing apparatus. The rights authority number and operation data may then, subsequently, be transferred and stored onto the second database.

[0041] According to one further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for detennining the similarity between a source three-dimensional object to be printed by a 3D printing apparatus and one or more known three-dimensional objects, the method comprising the steps of:

using a scanner to scan the source three-dimensional object and to generate an input dataset defining one or more physical characteristics of the source three- dimensional object;

performing a matching algorithm, wherein:

the matching algorithm compares the input dataset with one or more object records stored in a first database, the, or each, object record containing data relating to one or more physical characteristics of the, or each, known three- dimensional object, and

the matching algorithm computes a similarity score for the, or each, object record, wherein the similarity score indicates a degree to which the source three- dimensional object resembles the known 3D object corresponding to the object record.

[0042] According to one further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for determining the similarity between a source three-dimensional object to be printed by a 3D printing apparatus and one or more known three-dimensional objects, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining or generating an input dataset defining one or more physical characteristics of a source three-dimensional object;

performing a matching algorithm, wherein:

the matching algorithm compares the input dataset with one or more object records stored in a first database, the, or each, object record containing data relating to one or more physical characteristics of the, or each, known three- dimensional object, and

the matching algorithm computes a similarity score for the, or each, object record, wherein the similarity score indicates a degree to which the source three-dimensional object resembles the known 3D object corresponding to the object record.

[0043] According to one further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rights management system for a printing apparatus adapted to print three-dimensional objects, the rights management system comprising:

a first database stored on a storage device, the first database being accessible by the printing apparatus and comprising one or more object records, wherein the, or each, object record contains data relating to one or more physical characteristics of a known three-dimensional object;

a control apparatus comprising control logic adapted to:

receive an input dataset defining one or more physical characteristics of a source three-dimensional object to be printed by the printing apparatus; and

perform a matching algorithm, wherein the matching algorithm compares the input dataset with the data in the, or each, object record and computes a similarity score for the, or each, object record,

wherein the, or each, similarity score indicates a degree to which the source three- dimensional object resembles the known three-dimensional object corresponding to the relevant object record.

[0044] According to one further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for printing a three-dimensional object according to a plurality of design parameters, the system comprising:

a printing apparatus for printing three-dimensional objects; a microprocessor comprising control logic integrated into the printing apparatus;

a server connected to a database comprising one or more object records, each object record comprising information relating to design parameters of a three- dimensional object to be printed using the printing apparatus;

a communication means integrated into the printing apparatus, the communication means being configured to transmit information to and from the server; and

a sensing means integrated into the printing apparatus, the sensing means being configured to measure manufacturing information relating to the object being printed using the printing apparatus,

wherein the control logic is configured to:

receive from the server, via the communication means, information relating to the design parameters of the three-dimensional object to be printed;

transmit manufacturing information obtained using the sensing means to the server, via the communication means, relating to the object being printed; and

receive from the server, via the communication means, control information relating to the object being printed,

whereby the control logic uses the control information to determine when the object being printed accords with the design parameters in full or in part.

[0045] According to one further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for printing a three-dimensional object according to a plurality of design parameters using a printing apparatus, the method comprising:

retrieving data from a database connected to a server accessible by the printing apparatus via a communication means, the data comprising information relating to one or design parameters of a known three-dimensional object;

commencing printing of the known three-dimensional object using the printing apparatus, whereby when the object is being printed: manufacturing information relating to the object being printed is transmitted to the server using the communication means;

control information relating to the object being printed is received from the server using the communication means;

and, using the control information to determine when the object being printed accords with the design parameters in full or in part.

[0046] The control information may govern when the object being printed accords, in full or in part, with design parameters determined by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

[0047] The communication means may be configured to transmit the manufacturing information to the remote server, and/or to receive the control information from the remote server, in real-time.

[0048] The sensing means may be configured to measure manufacturing information relating to shape or morphology of the object being printed, or part(s) thereof.

[0049] The sensing means may be configured to measure manufacturing information relating to the chemical composition of the object being printed, or part(s) thereof.

[0050] The sensing means may be configured to measure manufacturing information relating to the temperature or other thermal characteristics of the object being printed, or part(s) thereof.

[0051] The sensing means may comprise complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensors, or other temperature sensors.

[0052] The control information may include tolerances that govern an extent to which the object being printed may deviate from the, or each, characteristic obtained from the database.

[0053] The control information may include a certification number issued by the server. [0054] The printing apparatus may be configured to mark the certification number on the object that is printed using the printing apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0055] The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a 3D printing rights management and certification system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a 3D printing rights management and certification system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a 3D printing rights management and certification system according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

[0059] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a system for printing a three- dimensional object according to a plurality of design parameters, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a schematic representation of a 3D printing rights management and certification system 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0061 ] The system 10 comprises a printing apparatus 12 for printing a three- dimensional object. The printing apparatus 12 comprises any conventional 3D printing device as is known in the art and may comprise, for example, a printing device that employs an additive or subtractive fabrication process.

[0062] The system 10 further comprises a database 14 residing on a storage device (not shown) that is accessible by the printing apparatus 12. The storage device is, ^ preferably, a commercially available non-volatile digital storage device such as, for example, a hard or optical disc drive and is arranged and configured with the printing apparatus 12 as direct-attached storage (DAS) or network-attached storage (NAS).

[0063] The database 14 contains one or more object records 16 organised and stored into a relational or non-relational database structure. Each object record 16 contains data relating to one or more physical characteristics of a known three-dimensional object (not shown). Each known three-dimensional object may be an object that has previously been printed by an operator using the printing apparatus 12. Alternatively, each known three- dimensional object may be an object that has been created by a person acting independently of the printing apparatus 12. For example, each object may have been previously created by a third party manufacturing or product design company.

[0064] In one embodiment of the invention, the database 14 contains, or interfaces with, one or more external databases comprising data relating to published known three- dimensional objects. The database 14, for example, may interface with one or more publicly- accessible databases that are provided and maintained by national registered design or patent offices.

[0065] The data comprised in each of the object records 16 define a variety of different physical characteristics of the known three-dimensional objects that are recorded in the database 14. For example, the data may include geometrical vertex, edge and/or face information relating to the known three-dimensional objects. The data may further include surface texture information and/or material translucency information relating to the known three-dimensional objects. In one embodiment of the invention, the data includes material and/or molecular information relating to the known three- dimensional objects, such information having been generated using, for example, a miniature mass spectrometer (MMS) device (not shown).

[0066] The data comprised in the object records 16 is stored in a suitable file format. Preferably, the format is stereo lithography (STL) format. Alternatively, the file format is Additive Manufacturing File Format (AFF) or other suitable format. , .

14

[0067] The data comprised in the object records 16 is also encrypted so that the database 14 is secure. Preferably, the data is encrypted using at least an NSA Type 1 cryptography algorithm.

[0068] In the embodiment disclosed in Figure 1, the system 10 further comprises a scanning means 18 that is adapted to scan a source three-dimensional object 20 that is to be, or may be, printed by the printing apparatus 12 by an operator. The scanning means 18 is preferably an integrated apparatus incorporated into the printing apparatus 12. Alternatively, the scanning mean 18 is a peripheral apparatus connected to the printing apparatus 12 using a suitable connection means such as, for example, via a universal serial bus (USB) connector and communications protocol.

[0069] Using the scanning means 18, the system 10 generates an input dataset comprising data defining one or more physical characteristics of the source three- dimensional object 20. The input dataset preferably comprises at least the same types of information as stored in the object records 16 of the database 14. The input dataset may, therefore, include geometrical vertex, edge and/or face information and/or surface texture, material translucency, material and/or molecular information relating to the source three-dimensional object 20.

[0070] The system 10 further comprises a control apparatus 22 preferably integrated into the printing apparatus 12. The control apparatus 22 comprises a programmable digital controller such as, for example, a microprocessor, an embedded central processing unit (CPU) or programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0071] In use, the printing apparatus 12 is used by an operator to fabricate a duplicate, or near duplicate, of the source three-dimensional object 20. However, prior to performing the fabrication process, the control logic implemented by the control apparatus 22 uses the input dataset generated using the scanning means 18 to perform a matching algorithm.

[0072] The matching algorithm compares the input dataset with the data contained in the object records 16 of the database 14 and computes the degree, or extent, to which the source three-dimensional object 20 resembles one or more of the known three- dimensional objects corresponding to the object records 16.

[0073] Preferably, the matching algorithm computes a similarity score for each object record 16, wherein the similarity score represents a discrete quantification of the degree or extent to which the source three-dimensional object 20 resembles the known three- dimensional object recorded by the object record 16. The matching algorithm preferably generates each similarity score using a statistical, syntactic and/or structural pattern recognition approach and may use known recognition principles and techniques, as appropriate, such as machine leaning and/or artificial neural networks.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, to facilitate and/or enhance the matching algorithm, the system 10 computes a digital fingerprint representation for each known three-dimensional object recorded in the object records 16 of the database 14. Each fingerprint representation captures and encodes the principal characteristics necessary to enable subsequent matching and recognition of the corresponding known three-dimensional object.

[0075] Each fingerprint representation may be computed in advance and stored in each object record 16 in lieu of, or in addition to, the native physical characteristics data stored in each object record 16. Alternatively, each fingerprint representation is created by the control apparatus 22 in real-time when the matching algorithm is performed.

[0076] In the embodiment, the control logic also converts the input dataset acquired for the source three-dimensional object 20 into an intermediary dataset that comprises a digital fingerprint representation of the source three-dimensional object 20. The matching algorithm compares this fingerprint representation with the ones calculated for each object record 16 when calculating the similarity scores. By calculating fingerprint representations for the source three-dimensional object 20 and each of the object records 16, substantial performance improvements can be achieved for the matching algorithm, including in respect to the accuracy and speed of the matching. , ,

16

[0077] The set of similarity scores computed by the matching algorithm is used by the system 10 to identify one or more known three-dimensional objects recorded in the database 14 that the operator may be trying to replicate using the printing apparatus 12.

[0078] Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a schematic representation of a 3D printing rights management and certification system 10 according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment disclosed is identical in all material respects to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 save that the system 10 additionally comprises a second database 24 stored on a second storage device (not shown).

[0079] The second database 24 comprises one or more rights-holder records 26. Each rights-holder record 26 contains information relating to a third-party person who has rights in, or relating to, one or more known three-dimensional objects recorded in the first database 14. Such third-party person may, for example, be an owner or exclusive licensee of intellectual property rights relating to a known three-dimensional object. Alternatively, the third-party person may be an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of a commercial product corresponding to a known three-dimensional object. Alternatively, the third-party person may be a governmental or official state body that has the exclusive right to manufacture, or allow manufacture of, a product corresponding to a known three-dimensional object.

[0080] In use, after the control system 22 has computed the set of similarity scores for the object records 16, the control logic then compiles a set of candidate records (not shown). Each candidate record comprises, or refers to, an object record 16 that has had a similarity score computed for the object record 16 meeting or exceeding a trigger value. The trigger value is selected such that the candidate records represent known three- dimensional objects that sufficiently resemble the source three-dimensional object 20 to warrant some form of action to be taken by the system 10.

[0081 ] For example, in one embodiment of the invention, for each candidate record that is compiled, the control logic notifies a third-party person whose information is stored in a rights-holder record 26 corresponding to the relevant candidate record that an operator of the printing apparatus 12 has fabricated, or intends to fabricate, a three- dimensional object using the printing apparatus 12 that resembles the known three- dimensional object corresponding to the candidate record.

[0082] Upon receiving the notification, the third-party person may then choose to require the operator to obtain a right to fabricate the three-dimensional object lawfully. For example, an owner of intellectual property rights relating to the three-dimensional object make seek to require the operator to enter into a licence agreement with the owner in respect to such intellectual property rights.

[0083] Alternatively, or in addition, for each candidate record that is identified the control logic may notify the operator of the printing apparatus 12 that the three- dimensional object that they have fabricated, or intend to fabricate, using the printing apparatus 12 is a three-dimensional object 12 that resembles the known three- dimensional object corresponding to the candidate record. Upon receiving this notification, the operator may then choose to contact the relevant third-party person or authority in an effort to seek to acquire any rights from them that are required to create a duplicate of the three-dimensional object lawfully.

[0084] Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a schematic representation of a 3D printing rights management and certification system 10 according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment that is illustrated is identical in all material respects to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 save that the system 10 does not comprise a scanning means 18. Instead of the scanning means 18, during use of the system 10 an input dataset 28 comprising data defining one or more physical characteristics of the source three-dimensional object 20 to be printed by the printing apparatus 12 is fed into the printing apparatus 12.

[0085] The using input dataset 28 is fed into the printing apparatus 12 using a suitable communications means such as, for example, via a USB cable (not shown) connected to the printing apparatus 12.

[0086] The input dataset 28 also comprises any additional data that is required by the printing apparatus 12 to fabricate a duplicate, or near duplicate, of the source three- dimensional object 20, Before executing the fabrication process, the control apparatus 22 _{1 0}

1 o executes the matching algorithm, as previously described, but using the input dataset 28 and the object records 16 comprised in the database 14.

[0087] The system 10 herein disclosed enables rights holders and operators of the printing apparatus 12 to be notified about three-dimensional objects that are, or may be, fabricated using the printing apparatus 12 that resemble one or more known three- dimensional objects. The system 10 allows such persons to take appropriate action when the printing apparatus 12 has, or will be used, to fabricate an object in contravention of one or more laws, legal rights or regulations.

[0088] The system 10 herein disclosed may also incorporate a mechanism for documenting each three-dimensional object that is fabricated using the printing apparatus 12 and information pertaining to the circumstances and conditions of the printing process. Preferably, for each three-dimensional object that is printed, the rights management system will, therefore, generate a rights authority number and a set of operation data.

[0089] The rights authority number is unique and corresponds to the operation data. The operation data contains comprehensive information pertaining to the circumstances and conditions of the printing process and, preferably, contains data identifying the legal rights that permitted the user to print the printed three-dimensional object lawfully. The operation data may also identify the materials used to print the printed three-dimensional object, including relevant batch numbers (if relevant).

[0090] The operation data may also include data identifying software and firmware, including versions thereof, used by the control logic and/or printing apparatus 12. The operation data may also include the input dataset used by the rights management system 10 during execution of the matching algorithm, including geometrical modelling and/or image data comprised in the input dataset 28. The operation data may also include the, or each, object record 16 mtenogated and used by the rights management system 10 during execution of the matching algorithm, including geometrical modelling and/or image data comprised in the object records 16. The operation data may also include the set of similarity scores computed during execution of the matching algorithm. The operation data may also include print conditions derived from one or more sensors that may be incorporated into the printing apparatus 12.

[0091 ] The rights authority number and operation data may initially be stored, together, on a data storage means incorporated into, or attached to, the printing apparatus. The rights authority number and operation data will then, subsequently, be stored on the second database 24, which will serve as a vault and access point for OEMs and other rights holders that have transferred rights.

[0092] The rights authority number may also be printed directly onto the printed three-dimensional object. This allows OEMs and other persons to obtain the operation data corresponding to the printed three-dimensional object by interrogating the database on which the operation data is stored using the number. Using the operation data, they may then obtain, inspect, verify and confirm circumstances and conditions of the printing process used to fabricate the three-dimensional object. The operations data can, therefore, be used a means for certifying the quality and design integrity of the printed three-dimensional object.

[0093] Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown in accordance with one further aspect of the present invention a system 30 for printing a three-dimensional object 32 according to a plurality of design parameters. The system 30 comprises a printing apparatus 34 for printing three-dimensional objects, a microprocessor 36 comprising control logic integrated into the printing apparatus 34, a server 38 connected to a database 40 comprising one or more object records 42, each object record 42 comprising information relating to design parameters of a three-dimensional object 32 to be printed using the printing apparatus 34. The system 30 further comprises a communication means 44 integrated into the printing apparatus 34, the communication means 44 being configured to transmit information to and from the server 38. The system 30 further comprises a sensing means 46 integrated into the printing apparatus 34, the sensing means 46 being configured to measure manufacturing information relating to the object being printed 32 using the printing apparatus 34.

[0094] The control logic executed by the microprocessor 36 is configured to: receive from the server 38, via the communication means 44, information relating to the design parameters of the three-dimensional object to be printed 32, transmit manufacturing information obtained using the sensing means 46 to the server 38, via the communication means 44, relating to the object being printed 32, and receive from the server 38, via the communication means 44, control information relating to the object being printed 32. The control logic uses the control information to determine when the object being printed 32 accords with the design parameters, in full or in part.

[0095] In use, a user of the system 30 initially selects an object that is to be printed using the printing apparatus 34. If the user is present at the printing apparatus 34, then the user makes their selection using either a control panel (not shown) that is integrated into the printing apparatus 34 or via a peripheral electronic device (not shown) connectable to the printing apparatus 34.

[0096] In further alternative embodiments, the user may make their selection remotely from an off-site location. In such embodiments, the user preferably makes their selection using a computer or electronic device communicable with the server 38, for example via the internet. The server 38 then, in turn, relays the user's selection to the printing apparatus 34 via the communication means 44.

[0097] After the user's selection is made, data relating to the design parameters of the selected object are then retrieved, via the communications means 44, from the server 38. These data are comprised in the object records 42 stored in the database 40 connected to the server 38 and include information concerning characteristics of the selected object necessary to fabricate an instance of the object. These data, preferably, include data relating to the shape or morphology, material and chemical composition and/or build thermal profile tolerances of the object to be printed 32. These data also, preferably, include parameters relating to any particular fabrication processes, or aspects thereof, to be followed by the printing apparatus 34 for the selected object.

[0098] After all design parameter data have been retrieved, the printing apparatus 34 then commences fabrication of the object 32. During the printing process, the integrated sensing means 46 measures various manufacturing information relating to the object being printed 32. These manufacturing information, preferably, include information relating to the shape or morphology, chemical composition and/or build thermal profile tolerances of the object 32. The manufacturing information obtained is transmitted to the server 38 via the communication means 44. The manufacturing information transmitted provides a snapshot of the shape, form, composition and other build characteristics of the object being printed 32 at any one point in time during the fabrication process.

[0099] In turn, control information relating to the object being printed 32 is also received from the server 38 via the communication means 44. The control information is used by the control logic implemented by the microprocessor 36 to determine when the object being printed 32 accords with the design parameters initially received from the server 38. For example, the control information may simply include an item of Boolean data that indicates whether or not the object being printed 32 accords fully with the design parameters, or parts thereof, at the given point in time.

[00100] Alternatively, the control information may include a set of tolerances that govern an extent to which the object being printed 32 may deviate from the, or each, design parameter, which the control logic will then take into account when continuing with the printing process.

[00101 ] The manufacturing and control information that is sent and received to/from the server 38 is transmitted, in real-time, via the communication means 44 either continuously or on a periodic basis. Preferably, the information is sent between the printing apparatus 34 and the server 38 over the internet.

[00102] The process of sending manufacturing information and receiving control information to/from the server 38 continues until the control logic has determined, using the control information, that the object being printed 32 sufficiently accords with the design parameters. The server 38 may then, optionally, send a unique certification number to the printing apparatus 34 via the communication means 44 which the printing apparatus 34 then prints onto the object printed 32.

[00103] The system 10 advantageously enables objects to be fabricated using three- dimensional printing machines that accord with documented compositions, characteristics, tolerances, qualities and other design and manufacturing parameters. Once fabricated, the system 10 additionally enables the objects to be certified that they accord with the relevant design parameters.

[00104] In one embodiment, the design parameters stored in the database 38 will be ascertained and entered into the database 38 in advance by one or more original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). In this embodiment, the relevant OEMs may also be given read-only access to the server 38 via a continuous communications feed. An OEM can then monitor the progress of an object being fabricated using the apparatus 34 in real-time according to their design parameters. The system 30 will also, preferably, provide a means that enable the OEM to issue a control signal to the printing apparatus 34 that indicates when the object being fabricated accords sufficiently with the OEM design parameters for the object. This allows the OEM to control if and when certification of the object takes place.

[00105] In the preceding description of the invention and the following claims, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises"' or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[00106] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.